Police warn West Berkshire residents over bank scam

Customers of Hungerford bank targeted

Chris Ord

chris.ord@newburynews.co.uk

Contact:

01635 886639

POLICE have issued a warning to West Berkshire residents to be on their guard against a scam involving a branch of a bank in Hungerford.

The scam involves customers receiving a call from someone claiming to be from the bank to tell them that there is a problem with their Sky account and are then asked to give their personal details over the phone.

Some customers have also reported instances where they have been called by a person claiming to be from Scotland Yard who tells them that they have been a victim of fraud after an employee at the bank has been swopping real bank notes with fake ones.

They are then advised to go to the bank and withdraw as much money as possible before someone from Scotland Yard comes to collect it.

Thames Valley police were initally made aware of the scam in August and are still receiving calls from customers stating that they have received calls suggesting that their bank is giving their customers false notes and that they should withdraw their money and place it in a certain bank account.

Police are reminding the public that neither the banks nor the police will ask for personal details over the phone or request that an individual withdraw money from the account.

Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of this or any other scam can report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or via www.actionfraud.police.uk